United States President George W Bush has said that he would like to close the detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, under fire from rights groups for its harsh treatment of detainees, but would await a Supreme Court ruling on whether terror suspects at the facility can face military tribunals.

"The Guantanamo issue is a sensitive issue for people. I very much would like to end Guantanamo. I very much would like to get people to a court," he told German TV station ARD.

"We are waiting for our Supreme Court to give us a decision as to whether the people need to have a fair trial in a civilian court or in a military court," he said. The Supreme Court is expected to decide by June whether military tribunals can hear the cases of the accused.

The camp, which was opened in January 2002, has faced criticism from rights groups over living conditions and indefinite detention of suspects. America's staunch ally, British Prime Minister Tony Blair has also objected to the camp.